10 Best Parks In India To See The Sloth Bear

Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya PradeshDense deciduous forests, rocky outcrops and quiet valleys make Satpura reliably good for sloth-bear sightings; dawn and dusk safaris in Madhai and Parsapani zones offer best chances.Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, KarnatakaAsia’s first dedicated sloth-bear sanctuary near Hampi protects large numbers of bears; watchtower and guided viewing give focused, ethical observation opportunities, especially in the dry season.Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya PradeshRugged terrain and rich prey base support healthy sloth-bear populations; peripheral and early-morning drives often reveal bears foraging among boulders and scrub.Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, KarnatakaMoist deciduous forests and Kabini backwaters create ideal sloth-bear habitat; early morning and late-afternoon safaris commonly produce sightings along forest edges and riverine belts.Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve, MaharashtraDry deciduous woodlands with abundant termite mounds favour sloth bears; Moharli and Kolsa zones are notable for regular bear encounters, particularly during pre- and post-monsoon windows.Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary, KarnatakaKarnataka’s second dedicated sloth-bear reserve conserves key dry-forest habitat; seasonal foraging and lower visitor pressure make sightings likely in the dry months.Panna National Park, Madhya PradeshQuieter than other central reserves, Panna’s ranges (Hinauta and neighbouring zones) offer patient travellers solid chances to encounter solitary sloth bears amid mixed woodland.Ranthambore National Park, RajasthanRocky hills, scrub and dry valleys sustain sloth bears alongside larger predators; zones 6–8 are frequently reported for bear activity, best in March–June.Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, GujaratA sanctuary dedicated to sloth-bear conservation, Jessore’s dry forests and quiet trails support viewing of bears, especially in summer and early post-monsoon months.Kanha National Park, Madhya PradeshSal-and-bamboo forests provide cover and food for sloth bears; Mukki and Kisli ranges produce memorable sightings for attentive safari groups.5 Must-Visit National Parks In India For Bird-Watching LoversRead More